withdraw
Americanverb (used with object)
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to draw back, away, or aside; take back; remove.
She withdrew her hand from his. He withdrew his savings from the bank.
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to retract or recall.
to withdraw an untrue charge.
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to cause (a person) to undergo withdrawal from addiction to a substance.
verb (used without object)
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to go or move back, away, or aside; retire; retreat.
to withdraw from the room.
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to remove oneself from some activity, competition, etc..
He withdrew before I could nominate him.
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to cease using or consuming an addictive narcotic (followed byfrom ).
to withdraw from heroin.
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Parliamentary Procedure. to remove an amendment, motion, etc., from consideration.
verb
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(tr) to take or draw back or away; remove
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(tr) to remove from deposit or investment in a bank, building society, etc
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(tr) to retract or recall (a statement, promise, etc)
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(intr) to retire or retreat
the troops withdrew
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to back out (of) or depart (from)
he withdrew from public life
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(intr) to detach oneself socially, emotionally, or mentally
Related Words
See depart.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of withdraw
First recorded in 1175–1225, withdraw is from the Middle English word withdrawen. See with-, draw
Explanation
To withdraw is to take something back or remove yourself from a situation. You might withdraw money from the bank or withdraw yourself from an argument if it gets out of hand. The word withdraw comes from Middle English and still means to draw or take back, like if you withdraw your hand when you’re done holding hands with someone. A newer definition of withdraw is to stay away from others or stop participating in something. You might withdraw from society by holing up in your house, or withdraw from school by dropping out. Another way to withdraw is to promise to do something but then change your mind.
Vocabulary lists containing withdraw
The SAT: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 1–6
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The ACT Reading Test: Multiple-Meaning Words, List 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What type of account should I put it in so it can accrue interest, but I can still access it each month to withdraw the monthly amount for child support?
From MarketWatch • May 16, 2026
There are also indirect effects as insurers drop customers in hurricane-prone areas or withdraw from states.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
Already this year, he had shown up to two different signature events without an invitation and warmed up as if he’d be playing, hoping someone would withdraw at the last moment.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
The future of the breakaway series was plunged into doubt when Saudi Arabia announced it will withdraw its multibillion dollar backing at the end of the year.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Sarai was poised, ready to withdraw it, but she hesitated.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
